Recent Comments:
VIDEO: Honda builds great cars, not great robots - the Asimo faceplant {Autoblog}
Dec 11th 2006 10:09PM Scott Davis - where's your bipedal humanoid robot, smart guy?
I'm (mostly) kidding...
I suppose Honda can be laughed at and ridiculed for trying. Let's all laugh at furthering understanding and technology!
Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault {Autoblog}
Dec 8th 2006 6:07PM I don't see anyone complaining about the existence of the Civic Si coupe. I see some people wanting the hatchback, as well.
Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault {Autoblog}
Dec 8th 2006 4:54PM 8. "Man I wish that car would come to America, that way instead of having a 197 hp Civic SI, we can get a 197 hp Civic Typer-R...because that would be so much cooler..."
While I'm sure you're proud of your cute, wisenheimer comment, you forget that there are people who prefer the added utility of a hatchback, as well as those who prefer the styling of this car, whether you do or not. Take a look at the sport compact market in recent years and you'll see an ever increasing number of 3 and 5 door hatchback models.
So, Honda offers the US a 197bhp Civic Si coupe and a 197bhp Civic Si sedan. Let's take the way-back machine to 1995. The top Civic models only had 125bhp (not including the del Sol VTEC); they were the EX coupe, EX sedan, and... whoa.. Si hatch.
From an engine power standpoint, the current Civic Si could be considered on the Civic Type-R level, or at least the European CTR level, as the JDM CTR sedan will have in excess of 220ps (rumored to be closer to 240ps) when it's introduced next spring. Actually both the North American and European models are too loaded with content to really fit the Type-R moniker IMO.
Cliff's Notes: There is room in the Civic lineup for this hatch. It doesn't have to be called Type-R.
Honda opens another design studio in Cali {Autoblog}
Dec 7th 2006 9:36PM "Not that Honda styling is horrendous or anything, but several recent models have received lukewarm, if not downright tepid, responses to their exteriors (We're looking at you CR-V). Maybe Honda's new California design center will help the company find its way back to the aesthetically pleasing".
What a thoughtless load of tripe. The new CR-V looks downright upscale and more substantial than the previous generations. Step away from the blog for a few minutes and take a look at one in person.
Honda has been known in the past for conservative styling that stands the test of time. Most people appreciated this, but others complained that Honda needed more daring styling. So, whether on their own or from listening to the criticism, Honda gets more daring with designs that grow on people (new Civic, CR-V, stunning Accord Coupe Concept sketch), and now you moan that they're getting "lukewarm" responses.
Record sales three months straight after introduction != lukewarm response
Alcantara covering more domestics next year {Autoblog}
Oct 17th 2006 9:01PM My Integra Type-R has alcantara bolsters. Seven years old now and this synthetic suede (sometimes called ultrasuede) has shown little wear. It's more durable than real suede and easier to maintain. For basic cleaning, all you need is luekwarm water and something to blot it with. A lint brush works well, too.
Nice material that holds you in the seat. Good stuff.
VIDEO: Six-wheel fun in F1 car {Autoblog}
Oct 17th 2006 8:56PM Great stuff! Definitely a prime example of interpreting the sometimes (seemingly intentional) ambiguous rulebook in F1.
Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP {Autoblog}
Oct 5th 2006 1:40AM #21, read post #20.
Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP {Autoblog}
Oct 4th 2006 9:34PM #1, it's really the other way around: the Acura CSX is based off the European and Japanese Civic sedan styling. They came first.
#3, someone constantly soliciting their automotive website shouldn't show bias against certain makes. It's confusing, too, since you have the European Civic Type-R Concept in the banner.
#4, they're not exactly the same, because Canada's CSX gets the K20A3, rated at 155hp. This is the engine from the last-gen American Civic Si and base Acura RSX. The JDM and EDM Civics do not offer this engine.
#7, you're right. The CTR is the "Official Car", but not the FIA Formula One Safety Car. In the press release, you'll see it referred to in parenthesis as the "red flag" car. During red flag periods, the field of race cars is stopped, or sent to the pitlane. The Safety Car, a Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG, drives balls-out when pacing the field. The CTR, while a great little car I'm sure, can't manage that without being unsafe IMO.
#12, what punishment did the "R" take in America? They sold in limited quantities, which was the plan. In 1997'-98, and 2000-'01, there were 3,850 Integra Type-Rs sold in the US. They are a classic in the sport compact world, and have a storied racing record, among which being the winningest car in SCCA Speed World Challenge history. From an owner standpoint, they are super reliable, as are the other 3rd generation Integras. They also have very strong resale value. The only real problem with the ITR is the theft rate. Swappable drivetrain and suspension parts have their drawbacks. :(
@15, no big bucks involved, unlike Toyota's big bucks to steal away the Japanese Grand Prix @ Suzuka from all the fans who love the circuit, and all the drivers who love it just the same. Thanks Toyota! Thanks Bernie! Anyway, no Civic Type-R Safety Car...
Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP {Autoblog}
Oct 4th 2006 9:13PM #6, Ted K...
Without attempting to explain the obvious, I'll let two uploaded scans of an Integra Type-R brochure do the talking.
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5691/itr05eb5.jpg
(read about halfway down)
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/6525/itr14of9.jpg
No Loitering, Fifteen Minute Parking: Crystal Cove car show threatened by The Irvine Co. {Autoblog}
Oct 3rd 2006 3:33PM Businesses and lawmakers in California have truly lost the plot.
